Handsome, outgoing and popular, Artie Blatman was a well-known member of the Jewish community and the Second Street neighborhood where his mother, Lena, ran the family’s bakery. Joseph Blatman, Arthur’s father, had died December 26, 1938, at the age of 54.
Here are some pictures of Arthur Blatman from the 1930s
Arthur Blatman enlisted on April 29, 1941. He was 24 years old.
One of the first letters published in The “Y” Recorder column, “Word from the Front,” later renamed, “Dear Mollye” was this one from Artie.
Word From the Front column in The Y Recorder, December 12, 1941.
Dear Mollye:
Fort Bragg, at last, after four and one-half days walking from Troy, N. C. some 75 to 80 miles away, and what pleasant sight these sand hills are. After grooming our four legged pets, we heard a familiar, and long awaited word, DISMISS. We then started our own stampede to the barracks and showers. Hot water to bathe in, the first hot shower we took since leaving Fort Bragg two months and a half months ago. A haircut, shave, hot shower using two cakes of soap, clean clothes and looking forward to sleeping in a bed, we are beginning to feel like human beings again.
This morning we learned that the Blue Army was victorious, and we found that out from the newspapers. I was in the Blue Army and didn’t even know who won the war. If the umpires were as good as some I’ve seen around, I can understand why we won. I guess everything the Blue Army did, was a strike. They must have been homers. Gus Reissman should have been in the stands watching these maneuvers, and I bet the umpires would have caught plenty H__. You don’t get as much heck from the coach (or officer) or Gus Reissman. Sorry I have to pick on you Gus, but I can picture you at the “Y” every Sunday letting the guys have it. By the way, Mollye, who is he picking on this year? Sometimes I think I’m better off in the Army.
I expect to be home in three weeks. We are getting fifteen days for Christmas furlough, and that is a swell present. Well that seems to be about all at present. Regards to the gang at the “Y” and I’ll be seeing you all soon (I hope).
Love,
Artie.
Take a look at the post script of this letter Artie Blatman wrote to his older brother, Morris.
PS. How about a calendar. If you can get one with a picture of a sweater girl on it – minus sweater – send it out.
Artie wrote to Mollye on Sunday, February 11, “At the present time we’re sitting in a small town in Hitler’s own back yard. Mom doesn’t have to know about it but I’m in Germany.”
This letter to Artie Blatman, written on February 23, 1945, is one of the few letters we have written by Mollye. It was returned to her because it could not be delivered to Artie Blatman.
This letter, written on February 27th, refers to Blatman’s letter of February 11th.
Artillery Observer Orders Fire on Self to Clean Out Enemy
A case of a man willing to sacrifice his own life to aid the advance of his unit is the story of Lt. Arthur Blatman of Lt. Col. Roger Lilly’s armored field artillery. Acting as forward observer, Lt. Blatman crossed the river, dismounted with his men, carrying a portable radio, located enemy units and had fired a mission before he was captured. Just before the enemy marched in upon him with guns at the ready, Lt. Blatman flicked off his radio, but while being questioned, he surreptitiously turned on his radio with his foot and told his captors: “If I hadn’t been captured, I’d call for fire upon this position 20 times —20 times 20 times!”
Hearing the message, his battalion commander plotted fire of three battalions upon the position, “annihilated” the enemy and Lt. Blatman.
The Bronze Star Medal has been posthumously awarded to your son, Second Lieutenant Arthur M. Blatman, Armored Field Artillery. For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany on 7 and 8 March 1945. Lieutenant Blatman, as forward artillery observer, continuously moved forward for better observation despite heavy artillery fire. He carried out his mission without consideration for his own safety and gave continuous support to the infantry. He continued his mission until fatally wounded. Lieutenant Blatman’s courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.
